First colon cancer warning sign

Doctors gotta make bank. Just read last week an article stated that regular colon exams are not needed nowadays. Sorry to say, nobody gets outta here alive. Also, just do a google search, what is the average life expectancy of truck drivers...

 

Sure, it must be true because you read it somewhere and it defies conventional logic. It's a miserable way to die. Glad my insurance covers it 100%.

 

Is there a good way to die? Wait, don't answer that, but I've heard many times, the cure is worse than the disease. I suppose I'm being a bit kockie, having lived to be 70 with no real problems, and if I was 50 again, and had a concerned wife, I'd probably do it differently. We have made some progress, my late sister died in 2001 of a brain tumor. They told us flat out, "we're basically shooting in the dark here, but maybe what we learn might help others someday". Well, we didn't care much about that at the time, but that Dr. was probably right. When stats tell us, cancer rates are down, that's not entirely true. While less smoking has provided positive results, I read, cancers like colon are at an all time high. Today, we have so many safeguards that our parents never had, and I bet many cancers today are a direct result of our past. I heard diabetes skips a generation, so watch out for that, kids.

 

There's been some recent debate surrounding the effectiveness of colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening, stemming primarily from a large European study
.
Here's a summary of the situation and the inconsistencies that have arisen:

• The European Study (NordICC trial):
  • Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this study found that individuals invited for a screening colonoscopy had only an 18% lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who weren't invited.
  • Crucially, it found no statistically significant difference in the risk of dying from colorectal cancer between the two groups.
  • These findings were significantly lower than previous estimates and caused concern among doctors, particularly in the US.
• The Inconsistencies and Counterarguments:
  1. Low Participation Rate: A major criticism of the NordICC trial is that only 42% of the individuals invited to get a colonoscopy actually went through with it.
  2. Colonoscopy Efficacy (when performed): When the study data was re-analyzed looking only at the people who actually received colonoscopies, the benefits were significantly higher, showing a 31% reduction in cancer risk and a 50% reduction in the risk of dying from it. This suggests that the procedure itself is effective, but low participation in screening programs can dilute the overall observed benefit in population-level studies.
  3. Longer Follow-up Needed: Experts note that colorectal cancer can be slow-growing, and a 10-year follow-up might not be enough time to fully observe the mortality benefits of colonoscopy. The researchers are planning a 15-year follow-up which may provide a more complete picture.
  4. Alternative Screening Methods: While colonoscopy is considered the "gold standard" in the US, other countries and experts suggest that stool-based tests (like FIT and stool DNA tests) might be equally effective, less invasive, and cheaper, potentially leading to better adherence in screening programs.
  5. Impact on Cancer Prevention: Even if the mortality benefit was lower than expected, colonoscopies can prevent cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps, which is a significant benefit in itself.

Key Takeaway:
Despite the findings of the European study, the consensus among US medical organizations and experts is that colonoscopy remains an important and effective tool for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. It's crucial to understand that the study highlighted challenges in implementing screening programs and the importance of patient adherence, rather than disproving the benefits of the procedure itself.
It is important to discuss your personal risk factors and screening options with your doctor to determine the best approach for you. They can help you understand the benefits and risks of different methods and choose the most appropriate screening strategy based on your individual needs and preferences

 

I've had plenty of family members die from medical malpractice. And family that are doctors and nurses too.
As far as I'm concerned, when God says it's time for me to go, I'm going. Trust the science...

 

I think the poop in box kits would be more convenient for most people. If more people did that testing. They could possibly catch more people with some early warnings. They may not be as good as colonoscopy. I think lots of people still don’t want to go to hospital for colonoscopy and take time off of work. Plus if live alone and don’t have anyone to drive you home from hospital that’s another problem. I don’t think you’re allowed to drive yourself home even if they don’t put you under anesthesia. I bet lots of truck drivers live alone and don’t have anyone help them

 

The American Cancer Society has no intention of finding a cure. ACS has morphed into a fund raising organization for the sake of being a fund raising organization.

 

I know, got to blame someone. I heard that S.Korea was pretty close to curing colon cancer, but haven't heard much on that. Probably paid them off too,,,I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with them being a "fund raising" operation. Kind of ironic, isn't it, they have a fund raising schpiel when cancer treatments usually devastate families incomes.